Wrestling icon Mick Foley announced Tuesday that he’s officially cutting ties with the WWE because of the company’s ongoing support of President Donald Trump following the Commander-in-Chief’s “incredibly cruel” response to the death of legendary actor and director Rob Reiner.
Foley, one of the central performers who helped shape WWE’s “Attitude Era,” posted a statement on Instagram explaining that he had been “concerned” about the company’s close relationship with Trump for some time — and that the president’s comments about Reiner marked “the final straw.”
“I no longer wish to represent a company that coddles a man so seemingly void of compassion as he marches our country towards autocracy,” Foley wrote.
“Last night, I informed WWE talent relations that I would not be making any appearances for the company as long as this man remains in office.
“Additionally, I will not be signing a new Legends deal when my current one expires in June. I love WWE, will always treasure my time with them, and I am deeply appreciative for all the opportunities they afforded me. But, in the words of Popeye the sailor, ‘I stands all I can stands, and I can’t stands no more.’”
Reiner, 78, and his wife, Michele, 68, were found stabbed to death inside their Brentwood home on Sunday afternoon. The couple’s troubled son, Nick, was charged with murder.
Trump, 79, took to Truth Social Monday morning following the news, stating Reiner had “driven people CRAZY” with his outspoken opposition to the commander-in-chief, adding the “When Harry Met Sally…” director suffered from “TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME.”
Trump’s response received widespread backlash, and Foley, 60, initially responded by resharing a post Monday from Jack White that condemned the president’s “gross, horrible insult” with his own thoughts.
“How any of my WWE colleagues can stand by, let alone stand next to this man is beyond me,” Foley wrote on his Instagram Story.
WWE has maintained a longstanding relationship with Trump through his friendship with founder Vince McMahon, who resigned from the company amid allegations of sexual assault in January 2024.
Trump made various appearances on WWE television in the late 2000s, including at WrestleMania 23 in 2007, and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2013.
According to a report from Wrestling Observer, WWE wanted Trump to attend John Cena’s final match at Saturday Night’s Main Event on Dec. 13 in Washington, D.C., but he decided not to go.
Still, members of his cabinet were in attendance at the Capital One Arena, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Linda McMahon — who’s not only the U.S. Secretary of Education, but the former wife of the WWE founder.
Foley, famous for his hardcore style and many gimmicks — including himself, Cactus Jack, Mankind, and Dude Love — had not appeared on WWE programming since 2023 but remained tied to the company on a Legends deal.
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
